I was still in diapers when Hawaii became a state in August 1959. But in our mutual (relative) maturity, we’ve become lifelong friends. It was the first place I ever took a vacation on my own, the first place I vacationed with my future wife, the collection of islands I return to at least once a year for a working trip that is the most blissfully relaxing of anything I do all year.

I’ve visited some 30 times, and my loves – and a few dislikes – about Hawaii could fill a book. But this is a newspaper, so in a salute to the 50th state, here are 50 things I have come to love about Hawaii, served in 10 slices – like a Haupia pie from Ted’s Bakery on Oahu.

FAVORITE BEACHES

Hanalei Bay: A golden crescent of sand on the lush, green north side of Kauai. The waves are gentle in the summer and manageable in the winter. Much of the bay is ringed by homes, many of which can be rented for family getaways.

Lumahai: A small, gorgeous and sometimes dangerous beach. It was featured in the movie version of “South Pacific” and can be reached only by a sometimes muddy trail leading off the road just west of Hanalei. It’s the hidden tropical fantasy that everyone thinks of when they visit Hawaii. Be aware that the surf can be dangerous, especially any time other than summer. People have been swept to sea off the famous rock ledge. Best to sit up high on the sloping beach and enjoy the scenery.

Kailua: Along with nearby Lanikai, this is the beach featured in dozens of postcards and calendars over the decades. Its white sands, gently sloping drop-off and brilliant green-blue waters are huge draws, but its distance from the tourism crush of Waikiki means there’s rarely a crowd. It’s suffered from severe erosion in recent years, but I’m hopeful the state will do the right thing and save this iconic strand.

D.T. Fleming Beach: A great bodysurfing beach on the sometimes turbulent northwest shore of Maui. There’s shade of the trees along parts of the mile-long strand for when the sun gets too hot. When you are ready to call it a day, head for the bar at the Ritz-Carlton, which is just up the hill, and enjoy the sunset.

Mauna Kea Beach: The Big Island is the youngest of Hawaii’s volcanic islands, so the lava hasn’t been smashed into the fine grains of Kauai, Maui or Oahu. Finding a decent beach is tough. One of my favorites is in front of the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. Though the deluxe resort doesn’t advertise it, the beach is open to the public and a small number of parking spaces have been set aside for nonguests. Come early or late (again, great sunsets) and splash on one of the few swimming spots where toe-stubbing lava rock isn’t a feature every few feet.

FAVORITE TOWNS

Waimea: It’s impossible to find a town in Hawaii untouched by tourism but still enjoyable for the visitor. Waimea comes as close as any. On the far southwestern shore of Kauai, it’s visited only by tourists on the way to nearby Waimea Canyon. This is still a place that mainly caters to locals, who often gather in the shade of the statue of Captain Cook in the center of the park. Make sure to visit even sleepier Hanapepe, the inspiration for Disney’s “Lilo and Stitch,” on the way back to the busy eastern or southern sides of Kauai.

Paia: A funky post-hippie beach town of hemp clothing shops, organic food stores and, for my money (and lots of it), the best fish restaurant in the islands. Though just a few minutes’ drive down Highway 36 from the airport at Kahului on Maui, Paia is most often overlooked by Maui visitors. The town is a compact stretch of somewhat weather-worn, early-20th century storefronts housing an oddball collection of antique dealers and curio shops. One-of-a-kind gifts are sold at the Maui Crafts Guild.

Aussies Joanne Houlakis, Amanda Keane, Monica Chidiac and Angela Keane love the Waikiki weather. The Sydney residents basks in the clear skies and warm weather. Cindy Yamanaka, The Orange County Register
A double rainbow appears over hotels along busy Waikiki Beach. Leonard Ortiz, The Orange County Register
Sweetheart Rock on Lanai, Hawaii, towers over the coastline near Manele Bay. MCT file photo
In the clouds at Kaanapali Beach, Maui. Michael Goulding, The Orange County Register
Setting up to catch waves at the Canoes surf break off Waikiki Michael Goulding, The Orange County Register
An single rower pilots an outrigger canoe toward Diamond Head at sunset near Waikiki. MICHAEL GOULDING, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

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